John 4:22
Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews.
Original Language Analysis
προσκυνοῦμεν
worship
G4352
προσκυνοῦμεν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
2 of 16
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
3 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
5 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
προσκυνοῦμεν
worship
G4352
προσκυνοῦμεν
worship
Strong's:
G4352
Word #:
7 of 16
to fawn or crouch to, i.e., (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence to, adore)
ὃ
what
G3739
ὃ
what
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
8 of 16
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
οἴδαμεν
we know
G1492
οἴδαμεν
we know
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
9 of 16
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
for
G3754
ὅτι
for
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
10 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐκ
of
G1537
ἐκ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
13 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Acts 17:23For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.Isaiah 2:3And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.Luke 24:47And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.Acts 17:30And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:Psalms 147:19He sheweth his word unto Jacob, his statutes and his judgments unto Israel.Hebrews 7:14For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.Psalms 68:20He that is our God is the God of salvation; and unto GOD the Lord belong the issues from death.Isaiah 12:2Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD JEHOVAH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation.Isaiah 46:13I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory.Zechariah 9:9Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.
Historical Context
Samaritans accepted only the Pentateuch, rejecting the Prophets and Writings. They modified the Ten Commandments to designate Gerizim as the place of worship. This limited canon resulted in incomplete understanding of God's redemptive purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does this verse challenge modern notions that sincerity in worship matters more than truth?
- What does it mean that salvation comes through the particular history and people God chose?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Jesus' declaration 'salvation is of the Jews' affirms God's redemptive plan through Israel and the Jewish Messiah. 'Ye worship ye know not what' indicates that Samaritan religion, lacking the prophets and full Scripture, was deficient in revelation. Reformed theology affirms that only worship based on God's self-revelation in Scripture is acceptable—sincerity without truth is insufficient.